With Guest Speaker:  Emily O'Reilly, European Ombudsman

Emily O'Reilly was voted European Ombudsman by the European Parliament in 2013.  She is an author, former journalist and broadcaster and was Ireland's first female Ombudsman in 2003. 

Her international reputation has seen her deliver expert opinion and advice on Ombudsman and transparency issues throughout the world including South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, the United States and Europe.  Her career has attracted significant domestic and international recognition including a Harvard University Fellowship in 1988 and multiple national awards.  She received an Honorary Doctorate in Laws by the National University of Ireland in 2008 for her work in promoting human rights throughout her career as a journalist and through her work as Ombudsman.